Okemos, Michigan — Elementary students from across Mid- Michigan will meet the tooth fairy up close and personal this spring.

The Delta Dental Foundation committed $54,000 to Michigan, Indiana and Ohio schools. Of that, $18,000 will bring the interactive oral health musical, “I Need My Teeth” to students in elementary schools in Mid-Michigan.

The musical is produced and written by Indiana-based McMillen Health and funded by the Delta Dental Foundation.

Based on the book by the same name, the musical follows a boy named James as he sets out on a quest for a Roger the Red Robot toy, and the repercussions he faces when giving all of his teeth to the tooth fairy in exchange for money to buy the robot toy.

Students will sing, laugh and learn about the importance of teeth for eating, speaking, making friends and succeeding in school.

“Good oral health is closely linked to overall health. That’s why teaching children at an early age about taking care of their teeth and mouths is so important,” said Teri Battaglieri, Director for the Delta Dental Foundation. “We are strong supporters of the work that McMillen Health does to educate children and families on making healthy lifestyle choices.”

All students will receive oral health trading cards and each school will receive a copy of the “I Need My Teeth” book for its library.

The musical will visit:

Cole Academy, Lansing

Cavanaugh STEAM Elementary School, Lansing

Farrand Elementary School, Plymouth

Gier Park Elementary, Lansing

North Elementary School, Lansing

Willow Elementary School, Lansing

In 2016, 30 performances were presented in Michigan and Indiana, reaching more than 6,000 schoolchildren and teaching them about good oral health habits.

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About Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the oral health of the public and to advancing dental science through education and research. For more information, visit www.deltadentalmi.com.